Expressing What Christians Believe: Anglican Principles for Liturgical Revision

What principles have guided liturgical revision in the Anglican Communion? This essay attempts to address that question for each of four historical periods, as well as offer suggestions for future revision. The author asserts that we cannot simply forge ahead with more experimental texts and trial liturgies if we truly endeavor both to value the inherited tradition and to move where the Spirit is leading us. By working toward a shared understanding of principles for liturgical revision, the Episcopal Church and other entities in the Anglican Communion can potentially avoid fractious conflict, produce better quality liturgical texts, and foster confidence that we are following divine guidance.